Differences Between Radial & Focused Shockwave Therapy

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Radial shockwave therapy involves the delivery of low- to medium-energy shockwaves that spread out radially from the point of contact. This means the energy is dispersed over a larger area, which makes it effective for treating more superficial conditions. Radial shockwave therapy is not technically a true shockwave. Instead, it uses ballistic energy to generate pressure waves that penetrate the skin and soft tissues. A projectile inside the handpiece is accelerated by compressed air and strikes a metal applicator, creating the radial waves.

Benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy

Radial shockwave therapy offers several benefits, including:

• Non-invasive treatment
• Minimal discomfort during the procedure
• Short recovery time
• Effective for superficial injuries

Common Applications of Radial Shockwave Therapy

• Plantar fasciitis
• Tennis elbow
• Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Myofascial trigger points

What is Focused Shockwave Therapy?

Focused shockwave therapy involves the delivery of high-energy shockwaves that are concentrated into a small focal point. These shockwaves penetrate deeper into the tissues, making this type of therapy particularly effective for treating more profound and chronic conditions. The high-energy waves stimulate cellular regeneration and repair processes within the targeted area, promoting healing from within.  Unlike radial shockwave therapy, focused shockwave therapy generates true shockwaves. These shockwaves are produced by a piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or electrohydraulic source within the therapy device. The energy is focused at a specific depth in the tissue, ensuring that the therapeutic effects are concentrated precisely where needed. 

Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy

Focused shockwave therapy has its own set of benefits:

• Higher precision in targeting specific areas
• Effective for deeper tissue injuries
• Can treat chronic pain more effectively
• Stimulates cellular regeneration

Common Applications of Radial Shockwave Therapy

• Chronic tendinitis
• Deep muscle pain
• Bone healing
• Calcific shoulder tendinitis
• Deep trigger points

Key Differences Between Radial Vs Focused Shockwave Therapy

Understanding the key differences between radial and focused shockwave therapy can help determine the best treatment option for specific conditions.

Aspect	Radial Shockwave Therapy	Focused Shockwave Therapy
Depth of Penetration	Superficial	Deep
Energy Levels	Low to Medium	High
Treatment Area	Larger, more dispersed	Smaller, more concentrated
Common Applications	Soft tissue injuries, myofascial pain	Chronic conditions, deep tissue injuries
Benefits	Non-invasive, minimal discomfort	High precision, effective for chronic pain

Pros and Cons of Radial Shockwave Therapy

Pros:

• Suitable for superficial injuries
• Non-invasive with minimal discomfort
• Shorter recovery time

Cons:

• Limited depth penetration
• Less effective for chronic or deep-seated conditions

Pros and Cons of Focused Shockwave Therapy

Pros:

• Precise targeting of deep tissues
• Effective for chronic pain and deep injuries
• Stimulates long-term healing

Cons:

• May cause more discomfort during treatment
• Typically more expensive than radial therapy

Choosing the Right Therapy for Your Needs

Choosing between radial and focused shockwave therapy depends on several factors, including: 

• Condition Being Treated: For superficial injuries and soft tissue conditions, radial shockwave therapy may be more appropriate. For chronic pain or deep tissue injuries, focused shockwave therapy is often more effective.
• Severity of the Issue: Severe or chronic conditions may require the precision and depth of focused shockwave therapy.
• Patient Preferences: Some patients may prefer the less invasive nature and minimal discomfort of radial shockwave therapy.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which type of shockwave therapy is right for you is to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess your specific condition, its severity, and your individual needs to recommend the most effective treatment option. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and discuss your concerns to make an informed decision about your recovery.